Shabbat Ki Tisah: Leadership

The main theme of this week’s reading from the Torah is the episode of The Golden Calf. Read more

Rising star Sheezel commits long-term future to Kangas

North Melbourne has locked away prized asset Harry Sheezel until the end of 2030 after the young gun signed a contract extension that takes him through to free agency. Read more

Gustav made a great double with Camille

A SSO review by Fraser Beath McEwing Read more

Hamas’s Haniyeh calls for terror attacks during Ramadan

Ismail Haniyeh, the Doha-based leader of Hamas’s “political” wing, on Wednesday, urged the Iran-led “Axis of Resistance” to step up attacks on Israel during Ramadan, calling for a “broad and international movement to break the siege on Al-Aqsa mosque” in Jerusalem. Read more

Captives’ loved ones begin four-day protest march

Families of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza embarked on a four-day march on Wednesday from Kibbutz Re’im near the Strip to Jerusalem’s Paris Square. Read more

Victorian Iftar dinner cancelled over Gaza war tensions

The Victorian premier has cancelled an upcoming Iftar dinner following growing calls for a boycott over Australia’s response to the Gaza war and tensions over controversial comments by an Islamic leader. Read more

New Zealand says no to Hamas and extremist Israeli settlers

In one day, New Zealand has banned entry to Israeli settlers who have committed violent attacks and have proscribed Hamas as a terrorist entity in its entirety. Read more

Richard Lewis, comic who ‘redefined how to make neuroses funny,’ dies at 76

Following years of health problems, actor and comedian Richard Lewis died from a heart attack on Feb. 27. He was 76 years old. Read more

Palestinians need new leaders, not new governments

According to a famous Arab proverb, “A dog’s tail is never straight.” It is used to describe people who will never be cured of their bad habits. Read more

‘When will he be coming home?’

“I can’t allow myself to get caught in the emotional rollercoaster around hostage negotiations,” said Jonathan Dekel-Chen, whose son Sagui, 35, was kidnapped by Hamas on Oct. 7. Read more

Anti-Jewish incidents in Australia – 2023 ECAJ report

Each year, the Executive Council of Australian Jewry (ECAJ), the peak national body representing Australia’s Jewish community, produces a Report on Antisemitism in Australia. I have authored these reports since 2013. Read more

October 7 attack ‘legitimate’: Islamic Council rep

A spokesman for a leading Islamic group in Victoria has described Hamas’ attack on Israel in October as legitimate resistance, as he called on the premier to cancel an annual Iftar dinner. Read more

Israel agrees to stop Gaza attacks for Ramadan: Biden

Israel is ready to halt its Gaza attacks for the Muslim holy month of Ramadan in a ceasefire that could be signed as soon as next week, Joe Biden says, though Hamas officials say the US president’s remarks are premature as it studies a truce offer. Read more

Mike Pompeo visits the Gandel Rehabilitation Centre at Hadassah

Former head of the CIA  Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and his wife Susan recently visited wounded soldiers and donated blood at Hadassah’s newly opened Gandel Rehabilitation Centre on Jerusalem’s Mount Scopus. Read more

ECAJ asks the government to block Leila Khaled’s appearance in Australia

The Executive Council of Australian Jewry has written to the three government ministers to prevent a known terrorist from attending a conference in Australia, either in person or virtually. Read more

Dry Bones: The Biden doctrine

Campaign 2024 Read more

Biden hopes for Gaza ceasefire, hostage deal by March 4

US President Joe Biden says he hopes a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas that will pause hostilities and allow for remaining hostages to be released can take effect by March 4. Read more

20 years as North Shore Synagogue’s senior minister

The community is to celebrate Rabbi Paul Lewin’s leadership, citing his dedication having been instrumental in fostering a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere at the synagogue. Read more

From Australia’s Jewish Past: Mark Rubin and Abraham Davis

Mark Rubin, a pearl dealer and pastoralist – Abraham Davis – shrewd businessman and perhaps “a ghost’’. Read more

UK financier Jacob Rothschild dies

British financier and philanthropist Jacob Rothschild, of the renowned Rothschild banking dynasty, has died at the age of 87. Read more

Alexis Fishman wins prestigious Broadway award

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We Will Dance Again

Over the past two weeks, I’ve found my mind drifting back to 1984 and the Odeon Cinema in Hendon. Read more

Palestinian PM resigns amid pressure over post-war Gaza

Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh has announced his resignation as the Palestinian Authority looks to build support for an expanded role following Israel’s war against the Islamist group Hamas in Gaza. Read more

30 years on, Spielberg calls ‘Schindler’s List’ his best film

Robin Williams knew how hard it was for Steven Spielberg to shoot “Schindler’s List”; the comedian would call the director every Friday. “He’d call me on the phone and do comedy for me,” Spielberg told the Hollywood Reporter. “Whether it was after 10 minutes or 20 minutes, when he heard me give the biggest laugh, he’d hang up on me.” Read more

A tribute memorial service for Rabbi Apple

Sydney’s The Great Synagogue paid tribute to its Emeritus Rabbi Dr Raymond Apple AO RFD at a memorial service last week. Read more

Ramadan ‘explosion’ looms for Israel and Hamas

The statistics speak volumes. Over the years, the Muslim holy month of Ramadan in Judea, Samaria and eastern Jerusalem has morphed into a breeding ground for Palestinian violence with terror attacks. Read more

UN: Adopt Hashemite Kingdom of Palestine or see conflict worsen

The United Nations has reached the crossroads where its very existence must be seriously questioned as it continues to blatantly violate article 80 of its own Charter.  Read more

Feintooner

This week’s cartoon: Waxing Brazilic Read more

Melbourne Writers Festival leader quits over Palestine program

The Melbourne Writers Festival’s deputy chair has quit over Palestine’s representation in the festival’s as-yet-unpublished program. Read more

Israel, Hamas truce efforts pick up pace

Israeli troops and Palestinian gunmen have clashed throughout the Gaza Strip over the weekend, as mediators picked up the pace of talks over a possible ceasefire to free hostages held by Hamas and bring a measure of Ramadan respite to the battered enclave. Read more

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